Reinoud Van Mechelen & A Nocte Temporis - Jeliote Haute-contre De Rameau - Import CD

Credits:

Reinoud Van Mechelen & A Nocte Temporis

Description:

A wonderful project exploring the achievements of Rameau’s favorite singers! The second installment of the “Haut-contre” series, following the Lully edition In France from the 17th to the 18th century, the “haut-contre”—a unique male high voice—served the mid-range in choral settings while also allowing numerous renowned singers to shine as soloists. As a high tenor voice that does not use falsetto, it is a challenging part to master; however, in recent years, spurred by the early music revival, a succession of talented singers has emerged. Reynout van Mehelen, a renowned Belgian singer active on the international stage, is one such talent. Although he has already participated in numerous recordings for labels such as Alpha and Ricercar, he once again demonstrated his aptitude for French Baroque music in 2019 with an album (Alpha554) that spotlighted Duménil, one of Lully’s favorite singers. This album, which could be considered a sequel to that release, shines a spotlight on Pierre de Gériot—a renowned singer who enjoyed immense popularity in mid-18th-century France for his masterful portrayal of character-driven roles, including the title role in Rameau’s masterpiece *Platée*, which is now being performed more frequently in Japan as well. As a figure who graced numerous memorable scenes in Rameau’s major works, this album centers on Rameau while featuring selections from a variety of composers—ranging from Leclair, born in the 17th century, to D’Aubigné, a contemporary of Gériot who lived into the late 18th century. A Nocte Temporis, which typically performs in a chamber music ensemble, appears here with a slightly expanded lineup. Including the numerous instrumental tracks, the ensemble delivers a lavish sound and a musical performance characterized by well-defined contrasts between slow and fast tempos. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Hippolyte et Aricie, RCT 43~Ouverture
2.Hippolyte et Aricie, RCT 43~Air. Plaisirs, doux vainqueurs
3.Les Fetes Grecques et Romaines~Air Pour Les Coureurs. Les prix que la gloire presente
4.Scanderberg~Air Muses, Je Viens Encor
5.Nitetis~Air. Fleuve Fecond
6.Dardanus, RCT 35 (Version 1744)~Air. Lieux Funestes
7.Platee, RCT 53~Ouverture
8.Platee, RCT 53~Air. Que Ce Sejour Est Agreable!
9.Platee, RCT 53~Marche Pour La Danse
10.Zelisca~Air. Ici Les Ris Et Les Jeux
11.Le Temple De La Gloire, RCT 59~Air. Ces Oiseaux Par Leur Doux Ramage
12.Scylla Et Glaucus~Symphonie Pour La Descente De Venus
13.Les Amours de tempe~Air. Pres Fleuris
14.Les Amours de tempe~Musette en Rondeau - 1er Et 2e Rigaudon
15.Castor Et Pollux, RCT 32~Air Sejour de L'Eternelle Paix
16.Daphnis et Alcimadure, Op. 9~Air. Helas! Qui Me Rameno
17.Daphnis et Alcimadure, Op. 9~Menuet
18.Daphnis et Alcimadure, Op. 9~Poulido Pastourelo - Air Du Pays
19.Erosine~Air. Ce N'Est Pas Un Crime En Aimant
20.Ismene Et Ismenias~Air. Pourquoi Cruel Amour